Page 48 of Hockey 101

I let out a snort of laughter. This is why I think we’re going to be great together. You’re honest. I want my next relationship to be with someone who’s a straight shooter. And that’s you.

Relationship? Don’t get ahead of yourself, Sinclair. She’s restored to full feistiness now, so it’s time to take the plunge.

We have to start somewhere. Andy, would you like to go out with me?

Where to?

Has anyone ever told you what a pain in the ass you can be? I ask.

She winks. Only people who spend more than five minutes with me.

All right, how about tomorrow night? We could go out to eat.

Sorry, I’ve got a meeting with my new women’s hockey reporter. And an essay to proofread.

I sigh. I bet those Frye boot women would move their schedules around if I asked them out.

Andy throws her head back and laughs, a full-throated laugh that makes me chuckle too. Too bad, but that’s what you get from us straight shooters. You have games this weekend, so how about Sunday?

Great! I have the whole day off, so I’ll plan something special, I offer.

She bends down to rub her ankle. As long as it doesn’t involve skating, I’m game.

I pull out my phone to add the date I’ve been waiting for. Oh, wait. We’re having a party on Saturday, after the game. You should come to that too.

A hockey party? She sounds less than impressed.

It’s a regular party. Drinking, dancing, fun. C’mon, Andy, I wheedle.

Can I bring Emily? I think it’s her dream to attend one.

Of course. More women are always welcome, I say.

Right. I’m willing to bet that it will be hot babe central, she scoffs.

We start walking again, and I take her hand in mine. Maybe it’s too soon, but being honest means not hiding the way I feel.

It will be once you get there.

She groans. Yuck. Are you going to start acting all suave and macho now that I’ve agreed to go out with you?

I am pretty happy. I’ve been working hard to get that ‘yes.’

We arrive at her residence. Andy hesitates, and I wonder if she might kiss me again. I’m all for that.

Good night, Jack. Her voice is prim and polite.

As she turns away, I say, Hey, I think I’m having a relapse of that whole claustrophobia thing. Do you think you could help?

She scoffs. Really? Outdoor claustrophobia? I’m sure that’s a medical first.

But then she surprises me by going up on her tiptoes and kissing me again. I’m ready this time, and I wrap my arms around her and enjoy the feel of her soft mouth against mine. Kissing Andy gets better every time.

14

PARTY DOWN

JACK

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